iPads for Cats, Apps for Apes and Dolphins - What's Next!

App for your cat

Gemini tests my new Kindle | Source

How to Keep Your Cat From Becoming Bored

Let your cat play on your iPad! Really!

Do you already have to compete with your spouse and kids for time on your iPad? The amazing little computer is an irresistible attraction to anyone who loves games and technology so it’s little wonder that everyone in the family wants one. Even the cat wants his own iPad!

What would the cat do with an iPad, you may wonder. Didn’t you notice your pampered cat eying your iPad with interest. Wait, is he trying to turn it on? Perhaps your kitty has heard that there are now some free apps designed especially for cats!

There are Free iPad Apps for Cats

Be sure to charge up your iPad before you go off to work because your cat will be using it to entertain herself while you are gone. My pampered cat, Gemini, is already hinting that his stock of toys should include an android tablet with some special kitty apps.

Purina Friskies has researched and tested the game-play, the colors and movement that felines find attractive. Friskies has actually developed three iPad games especially for cats based on their research on how cats will react to different stimuli. Check out the Friskies website for free apps for cats! Wouldn’t it be fun for kitty to try to catch a virtual mouse or fish in a virtual aquarium? They are also developing a new app that called “Here Kitty, Kitty", that will entice your cat to come with sounds like a tin can opening, a food bag rustling or a bird chirping. Now that seems just plain devious!

Friskies has developed three free apps for cats

iPad games for Cats to Play While Owner is Aaway

In Australia, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) must think it’s cruel to leave indoor cats alone all day because they’ve developed a collection of IPad apps designed to entertain cats while their owners are away.

Cats get bored easily, so the specially designed cat app will automatically shuffle through the games giving cats something exciting and stimulating to play all the time. Best of all, the app will show a score at the bottom of the games so that owners can check to see how their precocious kitty scored.

I do wonder what kitty's claws will do to the iPad. Be sure to have a screen protector on it before letting your cat play iPad games! Called the Affection Collection, the app is free at the Apple iTunes Store.

Video of Cats playing with Affection Collection Apps for Cats

An iPad for You and One for Your Cat

iPads in the Zoo - Apps for Apes

You and I may not have the latest iPad, but it seems that some lucky zoo animals have been playing and communicating with iPad technology.

Trish Kahn at the Milwaukie zoo, says that orangutans at the Milwaukie zoo are fascinated by iPads. They were shown videos of themselves and other animals in the zoo and were allowed to interact with the iPad. The female likes to watch the male orangutans (hmm…no surprise). Ms. Khan says that the apes enjoy enjoy the same apps that children enjoy. Orangutans enjoy using the free apps where they can finger paint, or play music.

For the future enjoyment of their orangutans, Milwaukie Zoo keepers are planning to introduce their animals to Skype as soon as other zoos have the technology! Then the apes can see and communicate with their cousins at distant zoos. Wow, and I can’t even teach my husband how to use Skype!

Video of Orangutans Using iPads at Milwaukie Zoo

Would you get your cat an iPad app?

Gemini says, "I'd really like to play with your iPad." | Source

Technology opens new doors to animal communication

The amazing technology of the iPad has opened new doors to animal studies and communication.While zoo keepers are teaching apes to play and communicate with iPads on dry land, dolphins are getting a chance to try their hand at this exciting new technology.

Who would have thought that the IPad could be used to communicate with Dolphins? Scientists at Dolphin Discovery in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico are using a specially waterproofed version of an Apple iPad to communicate with a bottlenose dolphin called Merlin. Merlin is able to use the touch screen to tap on symbols on the screen and eventually, his trainers say that he will probably be able to tap on symbols that represent objects, actions and emotions, facilitating interspecies communication to a new level.

Video of Cockatoo, puppies and lizards with iPad...

What's Next?

While it is entertaining and fun to give cats an iPad app to play with, it is exciting to know that there are serious applications for the technology in animal research.

Technological advances never fail to surprise and excite researchers in every field of study to develop new ideas and formulate new theories. The field of animal communication and interspecies communication is bound to advance in giant steps as iPad technology is used with primates and dolphins. Apps for cats, games and Skype for orangutans, dolphins communicating emotions ...I can't wait to see what will be next?

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Comments

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Author

Stephanie Henkel 4 years agofrom USA

FlourishAnyway - I'm so happy to hear from someone who shares their iPad with their cat! Stella must look so cute as she plays with her cat apps!

FlourishAnyway 4 years agofrom USA

I absolutely share my iPad with my kitty, Stella. Every time I pick up the device, she looks at me as if to ask, "My turn, or yours?" Good to know there are free sites out there, too. We downloaded a fee-based one for a nominal charge. Stella will be happy with something new, so thanks!

Author

Stephanie Henkel 5 years agofrom USA

Vellur - Glad you enjoyed reading about iPad apps for cats and other animals. Now wouldn't your kitty like an iPad under the tree this year? :) Thanks for commenting and sharing!

Nithya Venkat 5 years agofrom Dubai

WOW really what's next,enjoyed reading . Voted up,shared.

Author

Stephanie Henkel 5 years agofrom USA

Made - No, I don't think I'd let my cat play with an iPad if I had one. But we do spoil our pets so much, so maybe I could be convinced...

Madeleine Salin 5 years agofrom Finland

I don't have an iPad, and if I would have one, I wouldn't let my cats play with it... or maybe I would... :) What an interesting and entertaining hub! I really enjoyed it.

Author

Stephanie Henkel 5 years agofrom USA

Hi Linda,

Well, I haven't heard of any apps for bunny's...yet! I do think that some lucky puppies have been playing with iPads, though!

Linda Bilyeu 5 years agofrom Orlando, FL

This is the cat's meow! What a great idea! I don't have a cat, but I bet my bunny would like an app that teases her with a carrot :)

Author

Stephanie Henkel 5 years agofrom USA

Hi Carmen,

Well, you never know, someone out there could be developing an app for dogs as we speak! Now the apes, on the other hand...the level of communication they can achieve is somewhat disconcerting! I do remember "Planet of the Apes!" Well, as long as the apes don't start developing their own apps, I'm o.k. :)

Carmen Beth 5 years ago

The sight of animals using tech is simply adorable. So the future has definitely arrived! I've heard lots of apps for cats but I'm wondering where are the apps custom-made for dogs. Still, I'm skeptical about apes using to much tech; remember the 'Planet of the Apes'!?

Just Ask Jess 5 years agofrom Phoenix, Arizona

Yea they are. I swear, they use it more than me haha!

Author

Stephanie Henkel 5 years agofrom USA

JessicaSmetz - I'm sure any kid would love an iPad - even human ones! :) Seriously, they are an amazing piece of technology with so many uses beyond game playing. Your kids are lucky to have access to yours!

Just Ask Jess 5 years agofrom Phoenix, Arizona

Haha, I am sure he would have enjoyed one LOL..my kids love my Ipad, its like a toy for them. I enjoy reading!

Author

Stephanie Henkel 5 years agofrom USA

JessicaSmetz - Much as I spoil my cat, I haven't yet reached the point of buying him an iPad...though maybe he would like one! Me first, kitty! Glad you enjoyed my hub, and thanks for visiting!

Just Ask Jess 5 years agofrom Phoenix, Arizona

Funny...great hub. I love cats! They are funniest creatures. Ipads are a bit expensive for cats arent they? haha I wouldn't be surprised if some people did though! There are some really pet obsessed people out there ha.

Author

Stephanie Henkel 5 years agofrom USA

Hi Prasetio,

Yes, it is rather funny to see cats and apes playing on iPads. I'm pretty sure that most cat lovers wouldn't buy their cats an iPad, but we might let our pampered pets borrow ours now and then. Thanks for visiting and commenting on my hub!

prasetio30 5 years agofrom malang-indonesia

Ipad for cat. Wow...I never thought about this before. I believe that "cat lovers" will love this gadget and their cat can interact by using iPad. I also enjoy the videos above. They looks enjoy with the modernity. Very interesting hub and I give my thumbs up for you in finding this topic. Good job and rated up. I'll press all buttons here, including "funny". Take care and have a nice day!

Blessing,

Author

Stephanie Henkel 5 years agofrom USA

Alphagirl - My cat is very choosy about what he chases - and he never chases anything that I want him to chase! Drop a mouse in front of him, and he'll ignore it, but if he spots a little lizard outdoors, he'll stalk it. I think he'd chase the iPad fish apps as he loves to fish!

alphagirl 5 years agofrom USA

That is hysterical. I gigle because my cat doesn't even chase a fly. Nothing phases her. The ipad might get her going.

Author

Stephanie Henkel 5 years agofrom USA

Hi Brett,

Haha...good point! With apes getting iPads at the zoos, you do wonder where the money comes from. I wonder if they know how to search Amazon for free apps? Thanks for stopping by to comment and thanks for the share!

Brett Caulton 5 years agofrom Thailand

Voted interesting, funny and up. Seems like the Apes would like the free apps, unless the zoo has started giving them registered credit cards!? lol

Socially sharing this for the animal lovers.

Author

Stephanie Henkel 5 years agofrom USA

Hi Alocsin,

These cats are truly among the most pampered pets, aren't they? An iPad is a pretty expensive cat toy! The orangutans do seem to be enjoying their iPads, too, but they're also helping with animal behavior and communications research...I guess. It looks like they're having a lot of fun at it! Thanks for the votes and for your comments.

alocsin 5 years agofrom Orange County, CA

Yikes, I can't even afford an iPad for myself. Certainly not getting any for pets. Though orangs are some of my favorite animals and am happy they're getting a chance at the technology. Voting this Up and Interesting.

Author

Stephanie Henkel 5 years agofrom USA

Cardelean - What? You wouldn't share your iPad with Charlie Raisin? Humph! It is quite an expensive cat toy, but just think of all the fun he could have on it. :)

I was even more fascinated by the apes in the zoo using iPads, and can't wait for them to start Skypeing!

Thanks for stopping in to read and comment!

cardelean 5 years agofrom Michigan

It is a good thing that I read this while Charlie Raisin was in the other room. I am certain that he would insist on having one. As it is he climbs up onto my computer whenever I am on it. Unfortunately for him I don't have an Ipad and if I get one, I don't think that I'll be sharing! Great hub Stephanie!

Author

Stephanie Henkel 5 years agofrom USA

Diogenes,

I was really fascinated by the idea that the dolphin could not only pick out objects, but could communicate emotions by touching the iPad. It's mind boggling to think how far this technology could advance animal/human communications.

I've never had budgies as pets, but it sounds like they might be as pampered as my cat if they determine which TV station you watch! :) Won't they sing if you sing along with them?

Author

Stephanie Henkel 5 years agofrom USA

Alphagirl - Thanks for the read.

diogenes 5 years agofrom UK and Mexico

Unreal! Might be a way to communicate better with animals, especially marine mammals and apes with these things.

On a more simple note, my budgies now will not sing unless I have the TV on, preferably a music video station. They stop like a switch has been thrown when i turn it off.

Scary really

Bob

alphagirl 5 years agofrom USA

love the cat photo.

Author

Stephanie Henkel 5 years agofrom USA

Tammyswallow,

Thanks for your comments, Tammy! I've had trouble getting my reply posted tonight. I do think it would be fun to let my cat play some cat and mouse games on the iPad -- if I had one! :)

Tammy 5 years agofrom North Carolina

How adorable! I didn't know those apps existed. I would let my kitty cat use my Ipad. Voting up and wishing there was a cute button!~

Author

Stephanie Henkel 5 years agofrom USA

Cclitgirl,

Hahaha...yes, my cat might love an iPad with a mouse game on it, but he doesn't get one until I have one! I did show him my Kindle, but he said I don't have the right cat apps on it. :)

Author

Stephanie Henkel 5 years agofrom USA

Melovy,

Haha...I'm sure your kitties would like their own personal iPad for a little relaxation between their writings!

Author

Stephanie Henkel 5 years agofrom USA

Hi Jeannie,

I've seen the video of the toad; it's pretty funny! I thought it was interesting that Friskies and the RSPCA developed apps just for cats, but I'm not so sure I'd let my cat play with an iPad. It's an expensive cat toy!

Thanks for stopping by to comment!

Cynthia Calhoun 5 years agofrom Western NC

Whoa. There are iPad apps for your cat!? Hahaha. This is so neat and weird at the same time! I guess my Pepe might one day find a nice present under the Christmas tree...after I buy an iPad for myself...someday. ;) This is so cute, though. Your cat, Gemini, may very well be the next kitty genius! Voted up and across.

Yvonne Spence 5 years agofrom UK

Stephanie, my cats are delighted to see this and have told me to place an order for a new iPad right away. Since they keep hijacking my computer to write about their experiences I will be happy to oblige. :-)

Seriously though this is amazing stuff. Thanks for the hub!

Jeannie InABottle 5 years agofrom Baltimore, MD

Wow, all this technology is getting a little out of hand now. I am jealous of all the cats of the world that have iPads. That is not cool! :-)

Seriously, there is a video now with a toad playing a game on a tablet, too. He keeps going after all the ants on the screen. Then he bites his owner when he tries to take it from him. The toad was actually an OK player, too.

Thanks for sharing this. I am a little disturbed by the games specifically made for cats, but I can understand. Voted up and awesome!